The Power of Pause: Mapping Problems for Lasting Impact

Many innovators begin with a solution in mind. Yet the ideas that create lasting impact often come from spending time with the problem first and understanding the system around it, not just the symptom in front of us.

Albert Einstein is often credited with saying that if he had an hour to solve a problem, he would spend fifty-five minutes thinking about the problem and five minutes thinking about solutions. Most of us do the opposite.

Entrepreneurs and changemakers need to slow down long enough to really understand the problem they are working on, not just the solution they hope to build. That means pausing, asking better questions, immersing in communities, and learning to see both the big picture and the lived experience of the people affected.

In this session, you will:

• Hear from James Stauch about his book The 55 Minutes, a guidebook for innovators navigating complex problems in a rapidly shifting world
• Explore how the power of pause and systems mapping can help you avoid quick fixes and design solutions that actually stick
• Engage in meaningful discussion with a panel of Montreal changemakers and members of the D3 team who are putting these ideas into practice

Whether you are working in social innovation, tech, health, policy, or another field, this event is for anyone who wants to build innovative solutions that are sustainable, impactful, and built to last.

Ready to slow down and really understand the problem you are tackling?

Join our winter Systems Mapping program for early-stage founders.

💡 Apply here: https://d3center.typeform.com/to/adY8JDbS

This event is brought to you by District 3 Innovation Hub and ATCO SpaceLab.